Page 18 - LIVESTRONG Digital Guidebook

ther testing to identify the stage of cancer. The stage A wrong diagnosis is possible but rare.
describes how it has affected the body. It is based on:
• The size of a tumor
• Whether cancer is in the lymph nodes
• Whether cancer has spread to other parts of
the body (metastatic) or is limited to a certain
area (localized)
With certain types of cancer, health care pro-
viders use the term “grade” to describe the way thin
slices of cancer tissue appear when they are viewed
under a microscope. There are a number of types
of grading systems. For example, the Gleason grade
scale is often used with prostate cancer. Grading
generally ranges from very well differentiated or
nearly normal (grade 1) to very poorly differenti-
ated (grade 5).
Lower numbers (Stages I and II) are used for the
early stages of cancer. Higher numbers (Stages III
and IV) indicate that the disease is more advanced.
Early diagnosis and treatment methods have
greatly improved the chance of recovery for many
types of cancer. Testing has become more accurate.
18 L I V E S T R O N G G U I D E B O O K
Most health care providers agree that it is a good
idea to get other medical opinions before making
decisions about treatment. Talk with at least one other
medical expert (oncologist) who specializes in treating
your type of cancer. Getting more than one medical
opinion may help you make the best choices.
TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS
WITH CANCER
Adolescents (teens) and young adults (younger than
age 40) generally have very specific concerns when
they are diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis can
interfere with plans for school, dating, careers and start-
ing families. This is also a time when many young adults
want to meet and form close relationships with others
their age. There may be concerns about body image and
intimacy. Preserving fertility is often important at this age
and needs to be addressed before treatment is started.
Call855-220-7777orscheduleacallatLIVESTRONG.
org/CancerSupport.
www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp